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Materializing Identity - Allan Pinheiro - 1276271 - Thesis - PDF N

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Subtitle: Utilizing inherent urban identity as a main design factor in the inner city regeneration of Rotterdam.

Graduation thesis, Allan Pinheiro, Faculty of Architecture, TU Delft. (Broader academic context: The development and implementation of analysis methods and integral strategies for neighbourhood revitalisation and transformation.

Ondertitel: Het benutten van de inherente stedelijke kwaliteiten/identiteit als hoofdfactor in de revitalisatie strategieën voor Rotterdamse wijken.

Afstudeerthesis, Allan Pinheiro, Faculteit Bouwkunde, TU Delft. (Academische context: Het ontwikkelen en implementeren van analysemethoden en integrale strategieën voor de revitalisatie en transformatie van wijken.
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Student: Name: Student nr.: MSc. 3: Studio: E-mail: Tel.: Allan Pinheiro 1276271 Architecture + Urbanism Urban Acupuncture [email protected] 06 ---- ----

Main studio teachers: Name: Faculty: Chair: Sub-chair: Room: E-mail: Tel.: Name: Faculty: Chair: Sub-chair: Room: E-mail: Tel.: Dr. L.M. Calabrese Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences Urbanism Stadsontwerp 01WEST620 [email protected] +31 (0)15 27 84147 Ir. W.W.L.M. Wilms Floet Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences Architecture Typologie van Gebouwen 01OOST700 [email protected] +31 (0)15 27 89310 2

Table of ContentsOrientation Problem Statement Aims of the project Research questions Societalandscientificrelevance Theoretical framework Methodology Expectedfinalproduct Involved disciplines and proposed mentors Preliminary Literature Theoretical Framework Theory Paper Research: Greater Urban context Stadvisie Rotterdam 2030 / City-Vision Rotterdam 2030 Vision Kop van Feijenoord Framework of development Spatial criteria Programmatic criteria Plandescription Program Research: Inherent Identity; People and Program COS Reports; Neighbourhood analysis for Feijenoord: Veldacademie Research; Livingspheres analysis Research: Inherent Identity; Program and Space Rijksmonumenten/National Monuments, Icons and Environmental structures Wijkcollege The status and role of the public space: SWOT Analysis Distilling the actual identity Design: Utilizing Inherent Urban Identity Recapitulation Angle of approach Representative examples; youngsters and Allochthonous adults/parents Initial program, summurized The active social network Spatial locations/nodes The Persoonshal Additional Analysis for the architectural assignment Summurized SWOT Concepts; social, buildind and material concepts Focus Intervention and Program Summarized Program overview, new building (PVE): The square and its composition Activelydevelopingtheflexiblezoneswithintheframe Shellzone Construction and Stability Additional:ConstructiontoStreet,Phasing,Fitness,Helofiet-filters Power schematic, Installations, summarized energy Calculations, Sustainability and Materialisation Segment and functioning Back coupling Appendix Old building setup and CAD-poster overview Full research conducted at Veldacademie (seperate report) 3 5 6 8 9 20 22 23 23 24 25 27 28 35 36 37 37 38 39 40 41 43 44 49 53 54 56 58 60 62 67 68 69 70 71 72 74 75 76 78 79 81 81 81 82 84 86 87 88 92 94 96 99 101

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Orientation

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Materializing Identity:Utilizing inherent urban identity as a main design factor in the inner city regeneration of Rotterdam 1) Problem StatementRotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands, with a relatively strong economy and rich culture. However, when it comes to urban regeneration, the municipalitys planning agency often tends to develop ambitious plans that are bluntly imposed on their respective locations. To be more specific, the governing body of Rotterdam (Dutch: Burgemeester en Wethouders, B&W) strives to stimulate the citys economy by realizing a shift towards more knowledge based enterprises (Gemeente Rotterdam 2007). In this process, a large role of the municipalitys planning agency can be interpreted as the planning of the housing stock in which the new, highly educated, population is to take residence. In order to maximize the effectiveness of such intensive urban developments, the interventions are often planned for decaying inner-city locations. This is intended to have two benefits. First of all, viewed from an economical perspective, a higher efficiency in activity can be reached due to the already urbanized location. And secondly, viewed from a sociocultural point of view, decaying areas can also be regenerated. As such, at first glance, the municipalitys development plans seem to be thoroughly thought out and beneficial to all inhabitants. However, in practice, an increasing number of these plans is being met with opposition from the current inhabitants. This is due to the actual socio-cultural effect that these interventions have on their respective neighbourhoods. For, in reality, it is not so much regeneration that is taking place, but sooner a return to tabula rasa and redevelopment from there on out. In other words, due to a prioritization of economic gain over socio-cultural relevance, entire neighbourhoods are being demolished an rebuilt to house a new, economically more attractive, group of inhabitants. As a result the original socio-cultural quality of the neighbourhood, or its urban identity, is also lost. This includes the neighbourhoods communities, its culture and history; resulting also in many protests of the original inhabitants that have grown attached to these places (fig. 1). Examples can be given by various neighbourhoods, among which Lijnbaan, Crooswijk and Pendrecht. Another example of such a case is the neighbourhood of Vreewijk, in which a large number of social housing was scheduled for demolishment and replacement with more expensive private housing. As a result of the higher costs, the original inhabitants would be unable to buy their home back. This meant that they would be forced to relocate and make place for the new highly educated population; the negative form of gentrification. Luckily for these inhabitants they found a strong ally in the political party S.P. with whos help the development plans were put to a halt (Socialistische Partij 2007) (fig. 2). Thus, urban identity forms an important aspect when dealing with the regeneration of neighbourhoods. This relevance is more extensively discussed in the chapter Scientific and Societal Relevance.

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At this point it suffices to note that urban interventions, comparable to the one described here, are also extensively debated and discouraged in literature (see Theoretical Framework). As many scholars point out, the consequence is often the loss of the connection between the inhabitants and their environment (Oktay 2002)(Jacobs 1992). As such, even when these plans are set through, the result is often merely a relocation and possibly intensification of deeper lying socio-cultural problems of the original neighbourhood (Socialistische Partij 2007). Nevertheless, in general, planners decide to continue on their present heading. This is largely do to the illusive nature of identity. For how can something be factored into a design, when its spatial form is unknown? (ed. Bell & Tyrwhitt 1972)

Fig. 2: Protest also take place during various events. The banner in this image, for instance, utilises the City Marathon to reach the public. The banner reads: You walk fast, Rotterdam demolishes too fast. (image: S.P., Rotterdam)

Fig. 1: Inhabitants of the neighbourhoods in question often utilize public protests to reach a larger crowd. Large events such as the City Marathon are also utilised as opportunities for exposure. This specific banner reads: You walk fast, Rotterdam demolishes too fast. (image: S.P., Rotterdam)

Fig. 2: Inhabitants of the neighbourhood Vreewijk protest against the municipalitys plans to demolish part of their neighbourhood. The texts on the banners read: Demolishment, sheer madness and Save Vreewijk. (image: S.P., Rotterdam)

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2) Aims of the projectThe question at the end of the problem statement already hints at the aim of this project, namely: Factoring-in urban identity as an element of the design process. This can also be understood as: Solving the imbalance between the relevance of economy (top-down) over socio-cultural aspects (bottom-up) (see fig.3). For the sake of a clear project focus, the sociocultural aspects are also taken as the starting point of the graduation project. Hence the subtitle: urban identity as a main design factor.

Fig. 3: Schematiuc representation of the projects aim (image: by author)

To be more specific, the goal of the project is to: (A) Identify and evaluate the current state of urban identity in the neighbourhood Feijenoord (fig. 4); (B) determine how one can develop it, in balance with the other urban developments; and (C) translate the findings on urban identity to an actual urban strategy and architectural design: Materializing Identity (title). (See also Expected Final Product)

To this end a main research question has also been formulated.

Fig. 4: The neighbourhood of Feijenoord, which forms the spatial framework for the project Materializing Identity. (image: Google Earth 2010)

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3a) Main Research questionFormulated as one question which drives the entire research behind the project, the main research question can be read as: How can the current neighbourhood of Feijenoord be regenerated to meet future requirements in relation to the municipalitys vision, while maintaining the disadvantaged groups currently residing in the area, so the inhabiting social structures/communities and the emergence/consolidation of the local culture is also stimulated? In order to provide a clear frame in which to conduct the following research, it is wise to first elaborate on this main question and its crucial parts. A first step in elaborating the question is its splitting up into two parts, being:

Relevance

Problem Statement

Aims of the project

Main Research Question

MRQ Part 1 MRQ Part 2

Fig. 5: The setup, or frame, of the thesis, up till this chapter (image: by author)

1)

How can the current neighbourhood of Feijenoord be regenerated to meet future requirements in relation to the municipalitys vision, while maintaining the disadvantaged groups currently residing in the area? How to stimulate the inhabiting social structures/communities and the emergence/consolidation of the local culture?

2)

Part 1 of the main research questionThe first part places local urban identity in the broader context of other, more dominant processes, that are driven by national economy and planning. Thus, this question expounds on the problem as described in the earlier Problem Statement. To do so, this question investigates the perspectives of two parties on the matter of the inner-city regeneration of Rotterdam (subtitle). On the one hand, the municipalitys point of view is evaluated, on the other, the situation of the inhabitants is researched. Thus, this first part enables one to find initial similarities between both perspectives, which can then be further evaluated in part 2 of the research.

Part 2 of the main research questionIn the second part of the main research question the attention continues to shift more towards the neighbourhood of Feijenoord, as a subject of research onto itself. The research on urban identity, in the form of inhabiting social structures and communities, is what forms the focal point of this research question. As such, utilizing a bottom-up approach, this question also represents the inherent urban identity as described in the subtitle. And combined with the research conducted in part 1, it also forms the second step towards the Utilizing of urban identity as a main design factor (fig. 5).

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3b) Sub Research questionsSub-Question 1:Continuing with the structuring of the research, one can go on to split both main questions into sub-research questions. As we can recall, part one of the main question evaluates two perspectives on the matter of inner-city regeneration. Namely the view of the municipality and the situation of the inhabitants: How can the current neighbourhood of Feijenoord be regenerated to meet future requirements in relation to the municipalitys vision, while maintaining the disadvantaged groups currently residing in the area? As such, sub-questions one and two also focus on these two perspectives. The view of the municipality is researched first, seen as it provides the greater context: - What are the future requirements that the neighbourhood of Feijenoord needs to meet, in the spatial and social context, with respect to the municipalitys vision? Direction of study: Issues that come into play, when asking such a question are: Is there a need to attract certain population groups? If so: Which groups? High income people? Creative people? And why: What are the qualities that they bring with them? What issues are they suppose to solve? What goals do they help the city achieve? And, is this actually the wise course of action? How about jobs: Is there a need for more jobs in the neighbourhood? How many? Which types? What will there spatial impact be? A need for more buildings? A need for more infrastructure?

Fig. 6: Taking Rotterdams City-Vision 2030 as the largest scale of research; what are the requirement that have to be met by zone 11, which includes Feijenoord? (image: Stadvisie Rotterdam, 2030)

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Methodology and possible sources: The main method to answer this sub-question will have to be a study of the literature currently available on the position of Feijenoord in Rotterdam. Preliminary sources are: 1 - Rotterdam Vooruit: A masterplan for the entire Rotterdam region, developed by the national government, the province South Holland and the municipality of Rotterdam. Studying this masterplan can help determine which elements of the neighbourhood-level plans are deemed crucial for the regions general welfare. 2 - Stadsvisie Rotterdam 2030 (2007): A vision for the municipality of Rotterdam by the municipalitys planning agency (fig, 6). This document addresses the city as a whole. As such, it can provide a more detailed insight in the role that Feijenoord is to fulfil according to Rotterdams planning agency. 3 - Vision Kop van Feijenoord (2008): A vision that is specifically made for Feijenoord by B.S.G.V. (Dutch: Bureau voor Stedebouw) (fig. 7). This vision is still in its conceptual phase, but already it provides a good insight in the municipalitys views concerning the neighbourhood. 4 - 4th Binnale Rotterdam IABR (2009): An exposition concerning architecture that is held every two years. In doing so this exposition shows the image that the city strives to emanate. Thus, studying this, and similar, expositions also provides an insight into the municipalities architectural preferences.

Fig. 7: What parts of the City-Vision are to be realised in Feijenoord and what does this exactly imply for the neighbourhood? (image: visie Kop van Feijenoord)

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Sub-Question 2: In sub-question two the focus shifts to the situation of the inhabitants. while maintaining the disadvantaged groups currently residing in the area? To be more specific, the research of sub-question two assists in determining what the shared interests are of the municipality and the inhabitants, by expounding on the situation of the inhabitants. To this end a more specific sub-question is also formulated: - Which type of people make up the population of the neighbourhood Feijenoord? (And why are they called disadvantaged?) Direction of study: When investigating the situation of the current inhabitants, specific questions that can be researched are: What is the economical capability of the inhabitants? Low income? If so, how come? Low education? Bad control of language? How about the domestic situation? Small families? Big families? Lots of children? If so then the neighbourhood also has a lot of children, with all the necessary spatial implications (playgrounds, child friendly streets, etc.) Which (other) age groups does Feijenoord house? Elderly? Teenagers? What is the general evaluation of the inhabitants health? Which ethnicities and cultures reside in Feijenoord?absence of discrimination adequate mastery of language

absence of discrimination adequate mastery of language

adequate housing adequate facilities

adequate income good health adequate facilities

adequate housing

adequate income good health

living environment Littering and hindrances Social Index work and school participation social contacts social and cultural activities

capacities adequate schooling Littering and hindrances

living environment

capacities adequate schooling Social Index

work and school social connectivity perceived connectivity participation social contacts social and cultural activities social connectivity perceived connectivity

social effort

mutations

social effort

mutations

Fig. 8: The Social Index gives an indication of a neighbourhoods social state which is based on statistical data. On which specific themes is Feijenoord in the red (negative) and why? (image: Rotterdam Data)

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Methodology and possible sources: Methods an possible sources that can provide an answer to these questions are: 1 - Rotterdam Data and GisWeb 2.0: Two databases that are maintained by the municipality and provide demographic an statistical data on the entire city and its neighbourhoods. 2 - C.O.S. (Dutch: Centrum voor Onderzoek en Statistiek): A independent research institution that conducts research on various aspects of Rotterdam (demographics and statistics). This institution is also known to publish detailed research on specific neighbourhoods (fig. 8&9). As such, a report on Feijenoord can provide a crucial insight into the situation of the inhabitants. 3 - Interviews with the inhabitants of Feijenoord can also provide a very bottom-up view on the situation in the neighbourhood. 4 - In addition to the bottom-up view of the inhabitants, interviews with the human geographers, that actually map(ped) the neighbourhood, can also provide a more objective point of view. 5 - The Living-spheres analysis (Dutch: Leefvelden analyse): This can be considered as the structuring element for the data acquired in sub-question two. As such, this L.S.-analysis is actually also a tool/method that allows the researcher to clearly structure his data and even find correlations. The L.S.-analysis can be developed as a spreadsheet and/or a collection of maps.

Fig. 9: Reports of COS can provide an additional insight into the inhabitants situation. In the above situation the red areas, for instance, visualize inadequate housing. (image: COS wijkanalyse Feijenoord)

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Intermission: At this point in the research it is wise to insert a break in order to combine the data acquired in sub-questions one and two (fig. 10). This enables one to find the correlations between the municipalitys wishes and the needs of the original inhabitants, which ultimately answers the initial question: How can the current neighbourhood of Feijenoord be regenerated to meet future requirements in relation to the municipalitys vision, while maintaining the disadvantaged groups currently residing in the area? In practice this combing of data will (of course) be taking place during the research. As such, up to this point the research can be visualised as depicted in figure 10.

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Fig. 10:As described in the chapter Main Research Question the goal of the intermission is to find correlations in the data from sub-questions 1 & 2. These correlations can then be utilised to determine a more accurate direction of study for sub-questions 3 and (eventually) s.r.q. 4. (image: by author)

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Sub-Question 3:Having found the correlation in the interests of the municipality and the inhabitants, the research continues in search of elements that can function as the catalysts, or crystallization points, for the process of urban regeneration. As has been explained before, any intervention will aim to: stimulate the inhabiting social structures/communities and the emergence/consolidation of the local culture? As such, the crystallization points will also have to be spatial elements, or activities, that have a certain significance to the inhabitants. In other words, the interventions need to address the general culture of the neighbourhood (utilizing urban identity). Before this can be done however, one first needs to clarify what the current general culture, or urban identity, of Feijenoord is. Sub-question three thus reads: - What makes up the culture of the disadvantaged groups currently residing the neighbourhood of Feijenoord? Direction of study: Additional questions that can direct this research are: How does the local culture express itself in spatial forms? Sports(fields) for the young inhabitants? A community centre for the elderly? A mosque or church for religious purposes? What spatial elements are crucial for the local culture? (fig. 11) Perhaps a specific sports field itself is not crucial, as long as somewhere there is a field to play on. However, a specific mosque in a specific place might be important. What position do more pragmatic factors have in the local culture? Have the people (referring to the disadvantaged groups in Feijenoord) for instance grown attached to a shop or caf in a certain place? Do the people desire more or less of such facilities? How about public transport connections? Infrastructural connections? What spatial and programmatic elements need to be improved or added in order to better answer to the wishes/customs of (primarily) the local disadvantaged groups? (fig. 12)

Fig. 11: What is the value of a seemingly abandoned park at the edge of the neighbourhood? (image: by author)

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Methodology and possible sources: As has been stated by various scholars, culture and identity are complex issues to research. An investigation that needs to be conducted from the ground up would therefore also require to much time, in reference to the master track. Luckily, in the past few years, Rotterdam has been paying an increasing amount of attention to the issue of culture. Consequently a lot of research has already been conducted on the matter and various institutions have also been founded. Examples are: 1 - De Stad als Muze: A project, set up by the Historical Museum Rotterdam, which aims to map the various ways in which Rotterdams inhabitants use and value their city. Seen as this research is also being conducted on neighbourhood scale, it is potentially a very significant contribution to my own research on Feijenoord. 2 - Monumentenzorg: In terms of spatially valuable elements, Monumentenzorg can also provide a significant input. This is an institution which aims to preserve buildings and sites that are considered as relevant for the general culture and achievements of the Dutch society. In order to do so, Monumentzorg will also have setup general criteria for the evaluation of buildings. The intent is to apply these criteria to Feijenoord, thereby determining which spatial element of the neighbourhood are valuable. Of course a review of possible prior evaluations can also be utilized. 3 - Workshops Mental Mapping: Workshops in Mental Mapping can be utilised as a tool to approach inhabitants and stimulate them in giving their own opinion on their neighbourhood. It is after all the original inhabitants that form the main target group of the project. Similar workshops are also utilised by the Historical Museum and the Field-Academy Rotterdam (a field division of ExploreLab). Approaching these parties and learning from their experiences beforehand thus also seems a wise course of action. 4 - Community Groups: Community groups provide another angle from which to approach the inhabitants. Examples are the religious organisations, sports organisations and the community housing association (Dutch: Bewonersorganisatie). 5 - Newspaper articles: A more indirect way to acquire information could also be the review of newspaper articles. Articles in the local newspaper, in which inhabitants for instance protest to certain development plans, can point out the sensitive aspects of the neighbourhood. 6+7 - Questionnaires + Interviews (with the local inhabitants) add to the above methods.

Fig. 12: What does a facility like a sports hall (left) add to the neighbourhood? And if necessary, how can it be improved? (image: by author)

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Sub-Question 4:Sub-question four forms the last question of the research. Prior to this question the conducted research will have pointed out which urban issues need to be addressed in the regeneration project (sub-questions 1 and 2) and which elements of the neighbourhood can play a crucial role in this regeneration (sub-question 3). The aim of sub-question four is to determine how these results can be developed into an actual urban and architectural design (Materializing Identity). Thus, sub-question 4 in a way forms the actual design question: How can the valuable (cultural) aspects of Feijenoord be developed along with the new requirements in a harmonious/liveable way, which benefits both the original inhabitants and the newcomers? Direction of study: In reference to the Problem Statement, sub-question four can also be interpreted as the point in the research where the solution to the current imbalance between the economic and sociocultural aspects is actually materialized as a design. Questions that need to be addressed while actually developing such a design are: What exactly can be considered harmonious/liveable, in terms of combining the found sociocultural values (bottom-up) with the desired city-scale developments (top-down)? - Does it, for instance, suffice to simply preserve all the spatial elements that were labelled as valuable by the local inhabitants (in sub-q. 3)? - Or is change desirable, which can then be combined with the city-scale developments on a local, neighbourhood scale? If change, in the form of transformations or additions, is desirable by the inhabitants of Feijenoord; then till what extent are these changes allowed to take shape? - Till what point does the actual target-group (of Feijenoord inhabitants) perceive spatial changes as an evolvement or uplift of their local society/culture ? - And when do these changes cross the line and are they considered incursions, thus stating that they are undesirable by the primary target-group?

Fig. 13: How did a case like the new Lijnbaanflats handle the various issues of culture and identity? What lessons can be applied to the neighbourhood of Feijenoord? (image: top10.nl)

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Methodology and possible sources: Seen as sub-question four has a more design related character than the other sub-questions, the respective methodologies and sources adapt to this characteristic. Useful methodologies and sources thus become: 1 - Literature reading: The evaluation of literature that discusses the spatial characteristics of similar designs and their underlying approaches and theories. For specific example reference is made to the Preliminary Literature list and the Theoretical Framework. 2 - Case-studies of reference projects, among which: - Evaluating previous research conducted by Palmboom&Bout office on the inner city of Rotterdam, concerning the development of additional housing units in an already populated area. (New Lijnbaan-flats) (fig. 13) - Evaluating previous research conducted by KCAP office concerning the development of a large public facility (a new football stadium), which is located near the neighbourhood of Feijenoord. (fig. 14) 3 - Developing specific case oriented insight, by conducting Research by Design on the neighbourhood of Feijenoord. A more extensive description of the expected products is also included in the chapter Expected Final Product.

Fig. 14: What implications do large facilities have for their surrounding location? And what effect do large urban projects, near Feijenoord, have on the neighbourhood. (image: KCAP; New soccer stadium)

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4) Societal and scientific relevanceAs is often stated by the many scholars that have preceded in a comparable study, the issue of identity is a most illusive one. Thus, prior to elaborating on the relevance of this issue, a definition is needed. Following the path of one of these predecessors (Oktay 2002) one can turn to a dictionary for a preliminary definition. The Miriam-Webster Online Dictionary (2010) for instance defines identity as the distinguishing character or personality of an individual. A more urban natured definition is given by Kevin Lynch (1981) whom defines identity as the extent to which a person can recognize or recall a place as being distinct from other places.

Societal relevance:Thus, like individuals, places in cities can obtain an identity though the people that inhabit or visit these places. Consequently however, seen as the identity of each individual is unique, the identity of one specific place can also consist of numerous characteristic elements. Furthermore, the form/appearance and programming of a place also play a defining role in the identity of the inhabitants; identity here also implying the wellbeing of the inhabitants. Thus Identity of place and identity of the individual become intertwined and affect each other in an ongoing interaction. The relevance of this ongoing interaction, or the need for identifiable places is best summarized by Relph (1976, p 147): A deep human need exists for associations with significant places. If we choose to ignore that need, and follow the forces of placelessness to continue unchallenged, then the future can only hold an environment in which places simply do not matter. If, on the other hand, we choose to respond to that need and transcend placelessness, then the potential exists for the development of an environment in which places are for man, reflecting and enhancing the variety of human experience. One can also interpret the above explanation as the reason why neighbourhoods decay over time. For, with the passing of time, it is not only the buildings that degrade, but it is also the ability of the place to facilitate in the inhabitants cultural and societal needs that becomes outdated. This can also be found as one of the reasons why the financially better off (and higher educated) move away. In other words, the place looses its significance to the inhabitants; its ability to reflect and enhance the variety of human experience. As has been explained in the problem statement, the result of such movements in population can have a negative impact on the urban economy. However, what is even more relevant is the solution that is imposed by the municipality: Regeneration through gentrification; with a prioritization of economic gain over the relevance of the socio-cultural aspects. This often leads to a further destruction of the few significant qualities that the neighbourhood had left and it leads to a forced displacement of the inhabitants that werent financially able, or desiring, to relocate. Thus we get to the societal relevance of Materializing Identity through the utilization of inherent urban identity. Namely, the stimulation of the inhabiting social structures/communities and the emergence/consolidation of the local culture (main R.Q.). 1820

Scientific relevance:As is stated by Oktay (2002), in his evaluation of Place and Placelessness, discovering and enhancing the identity of a place or city can yield many advantages. The connection between people and place can be strengthened; local inhabitants can be stimulated to participate in the communal welfare; vandalism can be wiped out; problematic neighbourhoods can become attractive residential areas, etc. However, as stated before, the main issue with identity is that it consists of numerous characteristics and varies by place and time; it is illusive by nature (Fortuin & Van der Graaf 2006). Consequently, the exact method(s) by which to discover, evaluate and then enhance urban identity has also eluded scholars and scientists for considerable time (ed. Bell & Tyrwhitt 1972). Developing such a methodology then poses a most challenging, tempting and relevant research subject. Nonetheless, however scientifically relevant, the development of such a methodology may be, it is not the fitting task for this specific thesis. The scientific relevance of urban identity however persists, undiminished. This thesis thus also continues striving to shed some additional light on the issue. The neighbourhood of Feijenoord, in a sense, becomes a frame that provides a more solid basis for research. Limiting the main target-group to that of the local inhabitants of Feijenoord further strengthens the grip on the illusive issue of identity. In other words, this thesis is scientifically relevant, in that it provides an additional insight into the utilization of urban identity, in case study form.

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5) Theoretical framework The theory which forms the framework for this graduation project is extensively discussed in the attachment. At this point it suffices to state some of the most relevant theoretical contributions to the framework. Namely, Relphs (1976) assessment of the need for human places in his work Place and Placelessness; Christopher Alexanders assessment of a city as being a complex structure (or semi-lattice) of overlapping social networks and public nodes; and Derya Oktays (2002) dissertation on neighbourhoods as a vital element in urban development. These sources are relevant in forming the theoretical framework of the graduation project, in that they all evaluate and underline the importance of the socio-cultural and low-scale aspects of urbanism. Relph, for instance, strongly stresses the need for an approach in which the inhabitants assessment of his/her environment is addressed and improved (see Societal Relevance). Derya Oktay and Christopher Alexander both evaluate the role of the neighbourhood as a key (low-scale) element of the city. Alexander takes this evaluation somewhat further than Oktay, in that he also investigates the various networks that exist within a neighbourhood; social networks and otherwise. An example is his research on the Waterloo Road neighbourhood in Middlesbrough, England. Finding that neighbourhoods house complex networks resembling complex semi-lattices (fig. 15), Alexander states that an inappropriate handling of these complex networks is also what causes new development plans to be so incursive (fig. 16). As such, his theory and recommendations play a vital role in determining what type of development plans are appropriate. Lynchs (1960) The Image of the City, forms a good addition to this, seen as his theories and approaches have a more direct relation to the spatial aspects of urbanism and architecture (fig. 17 & 18). Other contributors to the theoretical framework are, for example: Fortuin & Van der Graaf (2006), Urry (2003) and Castells (1996). However, for a more indebt evaluation of these theories I again refer to chapter two.

Fig. 15: The actual complex structure of Waterloo Road as found by Alexander (Alexander 1972)

Fig. 17: Lynchs assessment of Bosten;s image related problems (Lynch 1960)

Fig. 16: The new, incursive, tree-like scheme for Waterloo Road as suggested by Ruth Glass (Alexander 1972)

Fig. 18: According to Lynch, large infrastructural elements play an important role in the image of the city (Central Artery, Bosten; Lynch 1960)

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6) MethodologyAs has been elaborated in previous chapters, the methodology behind this research on urban identity consist of various techniques and source types. The implementation of these techniques therefore will also vary depending on which subelement of urban identity is being researched. An overview of these sub-elements is provided in the form of the previously discussed research questions.

7) Expected final productAs has already been discussed in the relevance section, the issue of identity is a most complex and illusive one. Nevertheless, a product in the form of a spatial design, that deals with this issue, needs to delivered. Setting up a spatial frame in the form of the neighbourhood Feijenoord and focussing the research on one target group, namely the inhabiting population, helps narrow down the variables. Even so, one can already predict that numerous and divers variables will still play a decisive role in the spatial form of the design. Variables that will be clarified through the research questions. Therefore, at this stage, only a prediction and some examples can be given as to what the final product might become. In order to give such a prediction one might look back at the various elements of identity as stated in this thesis. As one might recall, evaluating the basic characteristics of identity, it has been concluded that identity is 1) divers and 2) constantly evolving. From this it can already be stated that the eventual design therefore should also A) appeal to the divers characters/identities of the local inhabitants and B) should be able to facilitate changes in these characteristics over time, in spatial terms. These two qualities will be applied both to the urban plan as to the architectural design. Of these two, the architectural design will most likely be the more flexible one, seen as buildings are often more easily adapted then urban structures. Additionally, seen the nature of the design is to be a materialization of identity, the adaptability of the architectural work will also have to be included in its very nature. Here the Hybrid Building design offers an outcome. For assistance in this design-style a teacher has also been provided, namely Ir. W.W.L.M. Wilms Floet. In addition Ir. H. Mihl will assists in the area of construction. The most challenging and interesting aspect of such a Socio-Cultural Hybrid Building will however not only lie in its design and construction, but sooner in the question of how adaptable it will be. Will the building for instance strive to facilitate all the wishes of every individual? If so then one building most likely will not be enough. Every individual would need his/her own building. It would therefore be more effective, not to facilitate each and every individual characteristic, but to discover and spatially strengthen a shared characterising denominator (Dutch: gemeenschappelijke noemer) of the local inhabitants. What this shared characteristic denominator is (religion, sports, landscape?) will follow from the earlier proposed research.

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Involved disciplines and proposed mentors

Studio mentors: - BK; Urbanism; Stadsontwerp; Dr. L.M. Calabrese [email protected]; Kamer : 01WEST620 - BK; Architecture; Typologie van Gebouwen; Ir. W.W.L.M. Wilms Floet [email protected]; Kamer : 01OOST700 - Veldacademie; Explore Lab; Urbanism/Architecture; Otto Trienekens [email protected]; Grondherendijk 13 - BK; Building Technology; Bouwconstruc. Integr. & Coord.; Ir. H. Mihl [email protected]; Kamer : 01WEST110

Additional Contacts: - BK; Urbanism; Environmental Design; Dr.ir. M.J. van Dorst [email protected]; Kamer : 01WEST620 - BK; Urbanism; Spatial Planning and Strategy; R.C. Rocco de Campos Pereira [email protected]; Kamer : 01WEST600 - BK; IHAAU; IHAAU; Dr. C. Wagenaar [email protected]; Kamer : 01OOST700 - BK; Urbanism; Ruimtelijke Planning; Dr. A. van Nes [email protected]; Kamer : 01WEST620

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11) Preliminary LiteratureAlexander, C. 1972, A City Is Not a Tree, in G. Bell & J. Tyrwhitt (ed.), Human Identity in the Urban Environment, Butler & Tanner Ltd., London, pp. 401-428. Bell, G & Tyrwhitt, J (ed.) 1972, Human Identity in the Urban Environment, Butler & Tanner Ltd., London. Bureau voor Stedebouw 2008, Visie Kop van Feijenoord: fase 2 Kop van Zuid, Bureau voor Stedebouw, Rotterdam. Gemeente Rotterdam 2007, Stadsvisie Rotterdam: Ruimtelijke onwikkelingsstrategie 2030, Gemeente Rotterdam, Rotterdam. Fortuin, K & Van der Graaf, P 2006, De stad verhaalt van de stad: Rotterdamse lokale identiteit en cultuur als hulpbron, Verwey-Jonker Instituut, Utrecht. Jacobs, J 1992, The death and life of great American cities, 2nd edn, Vintage Books, New York. IABR, 2009, Open City: Designing Coexistence, Veenman Drukkers, Rotterdam. Kostof, S 2009, The city shaped, 2nd edn, Thames & Hudson Ltd, London. Lynch, K 1960, The Image of the City, M.I.T. & President and Fellows of Harvard Collage, U.S.A. Lynch, K 1981, A Theory of Good City Form, M.I.T. Press, Cambridge. Oktay, D 2002, 'The quest for urban identity in the changing context of the city: Northern Cyprus ', Cities, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 261-271, viewed 8 march 2010, . Relph, E 1976, Place and Placelessnes, Pion, London. Venturi, R, Brown, DS & Izenour, S, 1977, Learning from Las Vegas, Rev. edn, The MIT Press, Massachusetts. Socialistische Partij 2006, 'Vreewijk: 94 procent tegen sloop, SP Rotterdam, vol. 56, no. 1, viewed 10 February 2010, < http://rotterdam.sp.nl/>.

Significant AdditionsVeldacademie Rotterdam/Rotterdam Vakmanstad, 2011, De Nieuwe Belangstelling, Veldacademie, Rotterdam. Novem, 2000, Vademecum, 2nd edn, Novem & Boom, Utrecht/Maastricht 2325

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Theoretical Framework

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Materializing Identity

Allan Pinheiro

Materializing IdentityUtilizing urban identity as a main design factor in inner city regeneration

Allan Pinheiro1276271 _ [email protected] Delft University of Technology, Department of Urbanism 6th Graduation Lab Urbanism Conference June 17th 2010

Abstract In order to create good urban environments city planners need to start addressing the issue of urban identity (Oktay 2002). According to Oktay, people should again feel that some part of the environment belongs to them, individually and collectively, some part for which they care and are responsible, whether they own it or not. For, as Oktay also states, people use their environment not only in a functional way, but also identify and express themselves through it. In a sense people form their environment and their environment forms them and it is exactly this role of spatial form that is being forgotten in the urban planning (Fortuin & Van der Graaf 2006). In addition Fortuin & Van der Graaf point out that increasingly such issues, of socio-cultural nature, take a backseat to the economic issues. Such projects often limit their impact on identity to that of the economical relevance of the image or brand. Municipalities thus tend to develop ambitious plans that are bluntly imposed on their respective locations, in order to sell the city (Jacobs 1992). In doing so however, any trace of the original urban identity is wiped out, including the communities, the culture and history. Consequently also the connection between the original inhabitants and their environment is lost, resulting in undefined, undesirable, useless and unliveable spaces (Oktay 2002). Nevertheless, in general, planners decide to stay this course. This is largely do to the illusive nature of identity. For how can something be factored into a design, when its spatial form is unknown (ed. Bell & Tyrwhitt 1972)? This paper thus provides a solid grip on the issue of identity. More specifically, the goal is to identify and evaluate the spatial form of urban identity in inner cities, through its sub-elements of public space and the neighbourhood. In doing so, this paper assists in the building of the theoretical framework of the authors graduation project, which proposes strategies and interventions for the regeneration of problem-neighbourhoods (dutch: probleemwijken) in the inner city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Key words Urban identity, community, spatial form, architectural form, urban planning, inner city 1 Introduction: Definition and problem statementIdentity can be defined as the distinguishing character or personality of an individual according to the The Miriam-Webster Online Dictionary (2010). A more urban natured definition is given by Kevin Lynch (1981) who defines identity as the extent to which a person can recognize or recall a place as being distinct from other places. Thus, like individuals, places in cities can obtain an identity through the people that inhabit or visit these places (Oktay 2002). Consequently however, seen as the identity of each individual is a distinguished or unique one, the identity of one specific place can also consist of numerous characteristic elements. Nonetheless the need for identifiable places persists. This need, or relevance is best summarized by Relph (1976, p. 147): A deep human need exists for associations with significant places. If we choose to ignore that need, and follow the forces of placelessness to continue unchallenged, then the future can only hold an environment in which places simply do not matter. If, on the other hand, we choose to respond to that need and transcend placelessness, then the potential exists for the development of an environment in which places are for man, reflecting and enhancing the variety of human experience. Hence, discovering and enhancing the identity of a place or city can yield many advantages (Oktay 2002): The connection between people and places can be strengthened; local inhabitants can be stimulated to participate in the communal welfare; vandalism can be wiped out; problematic neighbourhoods can become attractive residential areas, etc.

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However, as stated before, the main issue with identity is that it consists of numerous characteristics; it is illusive by nature. Consequently, the exact method(s) by which to discover, evaluate and then enhance urban identity has also eluded scholars and scientists for considerable time (ed. Bell & Tyrwhitt 1972). The graveness of this illusive nature is also expressed by Pinxten & Verstraete (ed. 1998, pp. 35-37), who state that: Each attempt to base a national or other identity on basic characteristics fails, when we approach the matter geographical, historically or even psychologically. Identities change, shift, grow and constantly adapt to the situation in which the person or group finds itself. Identity is a continuous process of self realisation. Each image, each well-defined shape of identity is merely a snap-shot of this continuous process. [..] Identity is a layered and dynamic phenomenon. For this reason we preferably speak of identity dynamics, in the plural and with the emphasis on the process aspect in stead of the products of these processes. Thus, following this formulation, identity has to be approached as an ongoing process. It is not, so much its physical form, but its development that needs to be addressed. As is stated by Fortuin & Van der Graaf (2006) this development of identity takes place through the exchanging of meanings in social interaction. This exchange of meanings, or perceptions, is most intensive on the interfaces between different communities. It is here that the role of space and the relevance of urbanism and architecture becomes apparent. To be more specific, Fortuin & Van der Graaf go on to state that the most general platforms for interaction is that of the urban public space. It is there that ones own identity is profiled against numerous others and where it is most susceptible to debate. It is also there that the process of self realisation is most intense. Thus, according to Fortuin & Van der Graaf, the exact shape of the urban space is not only a product of the identity dynamics as described by Pinxten & Verstraete. Nor does it merely obtain identity through its users. Urban space is also a key player in the actual forming of identities. As such, expounding on the characteristics of urban space and evaluating their role in forming a staging ground for the ever changing process of identity is the goal of this paper. Additionally recommendations are also made as to how one can best address the issue of urban identity on its various complexities. In order the structurally evaluate these various complexities of urban identity the focus will also be on specific aspects of the urban environment, among which: The public space and the neighbourhood.

Additionally, an evaluation is also made on the effect of globalism on urban identity. In doing so this paper also provides an crucial insight on the relation between urban space and identity. This insight will be utilised in building the theoretical framework for the authors graduation project, which proposes strategies and interventions for the regeneration of problem-neighbourhoods (dutch: probleemwijken) in the city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

2 The role of public space2.1 Introduction to public spaces When urban identity is considered, many scholars and theorist agree on the crucial role of the public space. Oktay, for instance, describes the way in which we perceive and interpret the visual forms that provide the physical context for the public domain as an important factor associated with the urban experience (Oktay 2002, p. 263). In addition to providing an arena for public circulation, Oktay however also describes the public domain as a provider of many spaces for a wide range of additional functions and activities. In a more definitive description, public space is also considered the common ground where people carry out the functional and ritual activities that bind a community, whether in the normal routine of daily life or in periodic festivities (Carr et al. 1992, cited in Madanipour 1996, p. 146). The best evidence for the vital importance of the public urban space is perhaps historical. As Oktay brings forward, from the times of the earliest cities, there is evidence of a basic human impulse to govern streets and open spaces, to make them more useful in the necessary and desired activities of the old and to make them more beautiful and to make them more beautiful and restorative to the citizens of the community (Oktay 2002, p. 263). As such, the focal points of this basic human impulse, being the streets and squares, are often considered the most vital components of the public space (Oktay 2002) (Jacobs 1992, ed.). 2.2 The role of streets The street can be defined as the prime exterior space of the city and an intrinsic component of the urban pattern (Oktay 2002, p. 263). According to Oktay the street also has two main characteristics directly related to form. The first is that it is, at one and the same time, both path and place. The aspect of place is elaborated in reference to history, in which the street has provided urban communities with public open space right outside there door. Norberg-Schulz (1971, p. 21) symbolic definition of the path, puts an additional emphasis on the relevance of the street. As he states On the plane, man chooses and creates paths which give his existential space more particular structure. Mans taking possession of the environmental

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always means a departure from the space where he dwells, and a journey along a path which leads him in a direction determined by his purpose and his image of the environment. [..] The path, therefore, represents a basic property of human existence, and it is one of the great original symbols. As such, the path can be interpreted as a route that is unique for each individual. At the same time however, it also needs to noted that, as unique as ones path might be, all paths exist within the same framework (Alexander 1972). This framework of urban public space is the second characteristic of the street, or more accurately: streets (Barnett 1982) (Moughtin 1992). It is the way in which the characteristics of both path, place and frame are combined that make the street such a vital element in ones perception and urban identity (Oktay 2002). In reference to Fortuin & Van der Graaf (2006) One can also interpret it as the shared characterising denominator (dutch: gemeenschappelijk noemer) which links the numerous and divers identities of an urban population. To be more specific, it is the social interface in which identities interact, be it actively or passively, and through which they change, grow, shift and adapt. As such, the public framework of streets play a key role in identity dynamics (Fortuin & Van der Graaf 2006). Streets however also play a vital role in the image of the city as a whole. As Jane Jacobs (1992, p. 29) puts it: Streets and their sidewalks, the main public places of a city, are its most vital organs. Think of a city and what comes to mind? Its streets. If a citys streets look interesting, the city looks interesting; if they look dull, the city looks dull. The importance of this image forming quality of streets and its role in the orientation of people is also stressed by Kevin Lynch (1960) through various mental mapping sessions among city inhabitants. 2.3 Recommendations concerning streets According to Oktay (2002) the primary quality of a street can be narrowed down to the handling of volume; the mood or character is created by the architecture. The role of the architecture or building is also included in what Oktay considers the optimum definition for the street: An enclosed, three-dimensional space between two lines of adjacent buildings (Oktay 2002, p. 264). As he goes on to state, a sense of place in a street design is best achieved if the spatial volume defined by the frontages is perceived as the positive form, the figure seen against the general ground of the surrounding architecture. However, the observation is also made that it is exactly these vital characteristics that are increasingly lacking in present day streets. As Oktay (2002, p. 264) puts it, the street is generally lost and reduced to a means of traffic, lacking threedimensional qualities, as a consequence of the

current scattering of the buildings and the increasing motorised traffic [..] and the square, Lynchs distinct and unforgettable place, has become a traffic island. 2.4 The role of squares The square is characterised as the most distinct element of the urban space (Oktay 2002). Paul Zucker (1959, p. 1) also describes the square as a psychological parking place within the civic landscape. As such squares can also be considered as goals for movement in the larger public framework, that is formed by the streets. Accordingly, squares should also induce a stronger sense of place than streets. Following Oktays earlier definition of the street, one can define a square by using the same formal factors, but in different proportions to one another. To be more specific , the buildings should form a continuity around the space, so as to emphasize the placeness of the squares surface, as Relph would state. The placeness of a square should however not be considered as a quality entire onto itself, which merely emphasizes the square. Oktay (2002, p. 264) states, the dimensions of the square should also be such that it provides the necessary perspective in which to admire the main buildings of the town, whose functions as physical and psychological landmarks are thereby accentuated. As such, although the squares and streets share the characteristics of placeness, the square should be considered as a place on a greater urban scale (Oktay 2002). In reference to Unwin (1909) one can also explain the importance of the square through its conceptualization as a centre in the larger frame of the streets. According to Unwin such a view corresponds to the needs to emphasize some parts of a composition and subordinate others. The relevance of properly addressing this human desire for structure is also discussed at length by Christoper Alexander (1972). At this point however it suffices to state that there is more to becoming familiar with a place than merely walking through its streets and squares Oktay (1998). One needs also to address the way in which an inhabitant approaches the vast public platform from a local, and even private, point of view. The key to doing this is the development of locally appropriate places (Oktay 1998).

3 Locally appropriate spaces:3.1 Relevance of the neighbourhood Considering the local urban context, or the appropriateness of places, the neighbourhood can be seen as the identifying symbol both for the evaluation of the city, and for the new urban extensions, [..] it is also fundamental for sustainable development (Oktay 1998). Moughtin (1996) also states that a creative design response to the context of the neighbourhoods, by

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strengthening them, can heighten local distinctiveness and create memorable places; places that are for man, if you will (Relph 1976). As such, how to give a neighbourhood its own physical identity and how to make it a place with its own character, distinct from other places, becomes the first challenge in the design of neighbourhoods (Oktay 2002). Comparable to the issue of identity, before one can act, it is first necessary to define the actual neighbourhood. This can be done in a number of ways. 3.2 The typological analysis A first method is that of the typological analysis. Following Benevelos (1968) discourse, one finds the neighbourhood as a basic urban residential type which combines place and activity. It is related specifically to a unique urban identity, different from the entire city. Benevelo (1968, p. 732) also considers the neighbourhood a modern conception, which is part of the modern architectural/urban effort to accommodate contemporary residential needs by the mediation of scale between the single house and the entire city. As such, one can see the neighbourhood as a unit onto itself, an area which is designated primarily to enable governmental and organisational control. 3.3 The neighbourhood as shared characterising denominator More recent approaches to the concept of the neighbourhood, such as practised by Kallus & LawYone (1997) take certain themes as the ordering elements for the understanding and intervening in a neighbourhood. Examples of such ordering element are healing, welfare, association, order participation, meaning and identity. With respect to the identity element, the neighbourhood is not seen merely as means for participation, but as a vehicle for strengthening the bonds between the residents and those between them an their environment. As such, the neighbourhood becomes the shared characterising denominator in the complex and varied structure of identities. In a sense the neighbourhood also becomes a mediator through which planners can address the real needs of the residents (Oktay 2002). 3.4 The complexity of the neighbourhood However, as is warned by Christopher Alexander (1972), the task of designing for a neighbourhood community and its respective identity is not one to be underestimated. In his work A City Is Not a Tree Alexander clarifies on this view by discussing various projects, among which Ruth Glasss redevelopment plan for the city of Middlesbrough, England. As Alexander explains, in essence, what Glass proposed was a division of the city into 21 separate

neighbourhoods, by determining where the sharpest discontinuities of building type, income and job type occur. Having determined these 21 neighbourhoods, Glass continued to ask the question: If we examine some of the social systems which actually exist for the people in such a neighbourhood, do the physical units defined by these various social systems all define the same neighbourhood? In other words, do the social processes correspond with the neighbourhood edges determined by Glasss research? The answer to this question was no. As Alexander explains, all the social systems that were examined by Glass proved themselves to be a nodal system. To be more specific, the social systems, be it a elementary school, public school, youth club, post office or greengrocers, functioned as central nodes to which specific users were attracted. This relationship between nodes and user groups is also visualised in the picture below.

Illustration 1; Middlesbrough, Waterloo Road neighbourhood, England (Alexander 1972, p. 415)

The crucial elements of this image that needs to be recognised are the Waterloo Road neighbourhood, represented by the continuous white line; the various solid icons representing the social systems; the dotted, dashed and encircled areas representing the user groups. What is immediately visible in this image is that the user groups do not directly coincide with their respective nodes. In addition various groups are also overlap each other, while in other cases they are not even part of the neighbourhood zone in question.

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Thus, as Alexander states, the case of Middlesbrough perfectly visualises the complexity one faces when designing for the neighbourhood. In other words, like a city is not a tree, nor are neighbourhoods strictly determined areas, or containers, which function as a perfectly ordered, tree-like scheme, nor should one try to make them as such (Alexander 1972).

The new tree-like scheme for Waterloo Road as suggested by Ruth Glass (Alexander 1972, p. 415)

The actual semi-lattice shaped structure of Waterloo Road as found by Christopher Alexander (Alexander 1972, p. 415)

hard-and-fast entities are always comprised of rapid movement, and there is no structure that is separate from process. In particular, time and space are not to be regarded as containers of phenomena, but rather all physical and social entities are constituted through time and through space. (in Urry 2003, p. 7) Following this quote, there are various superficial similarities to be discovered between identity dynamics and the process of globalisation, in terms of complexity. As Urry however goes on to state, globalisation should not be interpreted as an additional layer over that of the city, region or nation. Globalisation changes the very nature of all that is subjected to it, be it processes of economical trade or those of identity dynamics (Urry 2003). As such, Urry also states, the global situation becomes one that is irreversible and increasingly complex: Small changes result in large consequences, whereas intensive exertions produce little to no result. Fortuin & Van der Graaf sketch an additional image of this global situation as a staging ground in which various processes, occurring parallel to each other, can also influence one another in an untraceable fashion. Various phenomena can play a role in different occurrences while the geographical distances no longer seem to play a role. Consequently, according to Urry, it is also no longer possible to make educated predictions on how the current situation is to develop in the future, be it socially, economically or other wise. In correspondence to Castells space of flows, Urry describes this complex situation as a flowing reality. 4.2 The relevance of places in light of globalisation Discussing the dominance of flows over places it seems that in the light of globalisation, places (streets, squares and neighbourhoods) lose any relevance they had in the sense of urban identity. However, according to Fortuin & Van der Graaf (2006), this is not the case. As they continue to postulate, it is exactly the distinct local qualities that make places functional for global developments. An example is given in the form of a footloose company: In the vast global network there are various places that can accommodate the companys pragmatic needs. Such places become interchangeable from the companys point of view. That which distinguishes the various locations becomes a means for places to distinguish themselves and compete with other places. And it is exactly the identity of places that provide this unique signature (Van der Wouden 2004). As such, the relevance of a place, and consequently the relevance of urban identity, not only persists under globalisation, but also goes beyond the social aspect of a city, entering the realm of economics.

4 Places and globalisation4.1 The ongoing process of globalisation As can be concluded form previous chapters, places, be it streets, squares or neighbourhoods, play a vital role in urban identity. Fortuin & Van der Graaf (2006) call this approach to urban identity the space of places. In additional to the space of places approach, and as a reaction to the ongoing processes of globalisation, Castells (1996) introduced a new concept to approach urban identity. In this new concept, called the space of flows, it is not so much the places, but the flows (of people, finances, images, products, etc.) that determine the image of a city. As such, Fortuin & Van der Graaf conclude that the space of places approach loses dominance to the space of flows. This impacts a variety of urban process, among which the processes of urban identity or identity dynamics(Fortuin & Van der Graaf 2006). The process of globalisation is also extensively researched by John Urry (2003), who quotes Rifkin (2000): [C]ontemporary science no longer sees anything as static, fixed and given. The observer changes that which is observed, apparent

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Such an increase in the role of urban identity hints at the changes in its nature, as suggested by Urry. Droogers (2001) elaborates somewhat further on this issue of the changing nature of urban identity. According to him, one of the biggest effects globalisation has on urban identity is that it changes in the way people position themselves in society. More specifically, do to ever faster shifts in the context of a persons life, people are increasingly confronted with different identities. People are constantly required to re-evaluate their position do to changes in their context. According to Doogers, the result is that identities become more fluid. This eventually also leads to the breaking up of traditional group up to the point of the individual (Fortuin & Van der Graaf 2006). As Fortuin (1998) also describes it, the issue of dealing with different ethnicities, religions and other groups is broadened to dealing with different individuals. As a result, the city, as a physical and geographical enclosed container (or place) in which events take place, fades in its relevance towards urban identity (Fortijn & Van der Graaf 2006). The city continues to become a node in a complicated network of various flows: financial, products, tourism, etc. As Fortuin & Van der Graaf and Van der Wouden state, the identity of a specific place starts to fulfil a new function. It becomes the distinguishing element, through which to promote the nodes, as it were. And public spaces, such as streets and squares, the vital elements in the development of identity, become the calling cards of the city and meeting places of the global community.

physical and spatial task one easily underappreciates the space of flows and increased complexity that accompanies it. Jane Jacobs (1992) also discusses such urban interventions as being some of the most destructive incursions in urban societies. 5.2 Acknowledging and mapping flows As such, Fortuin & Van der Graaf also continue to suggest two changes in the approach of urban identity. The first is a change in the way specific projects are worked out. At the moment, they conclude, this approach is still to much oriented on places as specific bordered areas. This orientation is to be shifted more to that of the flows that pass through a place, seen as it is the flows that have a great impact on the place. Fortuin & Van der Graaf also conclude that, in order to address the flows, new methods need to be implemented. Possible methods are also discussed by Alexander (1972) and Lynch (1960) who discuss the approach of involving the citizens themselves and evaluation how they see the city, how they view their own urban identity. A specifics tool that is discussed is for instance the mental map. The best scale on which to work out such a map is that of the neighbourhood (Oktay 2002). In reference to Alexander, it needs to be explicitly noted that the exact borders of the neighbourhood in question are of subordinate relevance. 5.3 Moving with the flow The second change that is deemed necessary by Fortuin & Van der Graaf corresponds with Alexanders assessment of human beings as having a mental need for structure and control. As Fortuin & Van der Graaf explain, such a desire for structure not only undermines the complex social structures which result from globalisation, but it also undermines relatively less complex structures of the more locally oriented urban identities. As such, professionals dealing with the issues of urban development and regeneration are advised to detach themselves form such static notions of control and order. As Fortuin & Van der Graaf put it, the key to utilizing urban identity is to move with its flows, coming to understand it and only then addressing it.

5 Recommendations5.1 Recapitulation As has been discussed in chapter two, public spaces, in the form of streets and squares, play a vital role in the forming of urban identity (Oktay 2002). Accordingly, recommendations have also been made for these vital element of urban identity. This is also the case for the neighbourhood, which can be considered the identifying symbol [..] for the evaluation of the city (Oktay 1998). Therefore this part of the paper will focus on recommendations concerning the previous chapter. As one can recall, in this previous chapter, Fortuin & Van der Graaf (2006) and Van der Wouden (2004) discuss the changing role of urban identity as one that increasingly fulfils the task of calling card of the city. Fortuin & Van der Graaf conclude that, apart from the increasing complexity, in itself this development does not necessarily have a negative impact on society. However, in addition, they also conclude one should not develop an area based mere on this calling card aspect of places. As Fortuin & Van der Graaf state, developing a place, merely as an

AcknowledgementsI want to express my greatest gratitude towards my Studio mentor Luisa Calabrese for her encouragement in reviewing the issue of urban identity; Dr.ir. Machiel van Dorst and ir. Ruth Hppner for sharing their critical view on the matter of urban identity and I want to thank Dr. Ana Maria Fernandez-Maldonado and Dr.ir. Remon M. Rooij for their guidance in writing this paper.

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Allan Pinheiro

BibliographyAlexander, C. 1972, A City Is Not a Tree, in G. Bell & J. Tyrwhitt (ed.), Human Identity in the Urban Environment, Butler & Tanner Ltd., London, pp. 401-428. Barnett, J. 1982, An Introduction to Urban Design, Harper & Row, New York. Bell, G & Tyrwhitt, J (ed.) 1972, Human Identity in the Urban Environment, Butler & Tanner Ltd., London. Benevolo, K. 1968, The History of the City, Scolar Press, London (1968). Castells,M. 1996, The Rise of the Network Society, volume 1 of the trilogy, The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture, Blackwell, Oxford, pp. 407-459. Doogers, A. 2001, A Social Science View, paper prepared for the workshop on Religion, Conflict and Reconciliation, Amersfoort, 30 March 2 April. Fortuin, K. 1998, Sociale processen en sturing, in W. Schakenraad, G. Hettinga, E. Plember, A. Raspe, K. Vos (ed.), Dynamiek in drievoud: Onderzoek voor burgers, instellingen en overheden, Jan Van Arkel/Verwey-Jonker Instituut, Utrecht, pp. 179-200. Fortuin, K & Van der Graaf, P 2006, De stad verhaalt van de stad: Rotterdamse lokale identiteit en cultuur als hulpbron, Verwey-Jonker Instituut, Utrecht. Jacobs, J 1992, The death and life of great American cities, 2nd edn, Vintage Books, New York. Kallus, R. & Law-Yone, H. 1997, Neighbourhood: the metamorphosis of an idea, Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, vol. 14, no. 2, p. 107. Lynch, K 1960, The Image of the City, M.I.T. & President and Fellows of Harvard Collage, U.S.A. Lynch, K 1981, A Theory of Good City Form, M.I.T. Press, Cambridge. Madanipour, A. 1996, Design of Urban Space, Wiley, New York. Moughtin, C. 1992, Urban Design: Street and Square, Butterworth Architecture, Oxford. Moughtin, C. 1996, Urban Design: Green Dimensions, Butterworth Architecture, Oxford. Norberg-Schulz, C. 1971, Existence, Space and Architecture, Studio Vista, London. Oktay, D. 1998, Urban spatial patterns and local identity: evaluations in a Cypriot town, Open House International, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 1723. Oktay, D 2002, 'The quest for urban identity in the changing context of the city: Northern Cyprus ', Cities, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 261-271, viewed 8 march 2010, .

Pixten, R. & Verstraete, G. (ed.) 1998, Cultuur en Macht: over identiteit en conflict in een multiculturele wereld, Houtekiet, Antwerpen. Relph, E 1976, Place and Placelessnes, Pion, London. Unwin, R. 1909, Town Planning in Practice, Fisher Unwin, London. Urry, J. 2003, Global Complexity, Polity, Cambridge. Van der Wouden, R. 1999, Gestalten van stedelijkheid: Een verkenning van veranderingen in de openbare ruimte, in R. van der Wouden (ed.), De stad op straat: de openbare ruimte in perspectief, Sociaal en Cultureel Planbureau/Elsevier, Den Haag, pp. 17-37. Zucker, P. 1959, Town and Square, Oxford University Press, London.

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Research: Greater Urban context

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Sub-Question 1: What are the future requirements that the neighbourhood of Feijenoord needs to meet in the spatial and social context, with respect to the Rotterdam city-vision?

VIP-Projects

Stadvisie Rotterdam / City-Vision Rotterdam 2030: Toanswerthisfirstsub-question,areviewis being made of the city-scale developmentplans as described in the City-Vision Rotterdam 2030. This vision consists of 13 so called VIP-zones, or Very Important Poject zones. As the name suggests,themunicipalitysplanningagenciesconsider these zones as priorities in development. As such, the plans for these zones spearhead all other developments in the city. In order to get a better understanding of what this implies for Feijenoord, the focus of the evaluation will be on zone 11, of which the neighbourhood is a part.

source: Stadsvisie Rotterdam, 2030

Living environments

Viewing zone 11 in the context of the greater CityVision 2030, in terms of housing environments, the area isdesignatedasanareaforpeacefulurbanlivingas opposed to the nearby Kop van Zuid which bears the labelcentralurbanliving. Housing is also considered an essential means by which tosolvetheimbalanceinthecitys workplace-workforce relationship. In the following chapters it is also discussed what this will imply for the neighbourhood of Feijenoord. The City-Vision 2030 however goess far beyond the issueofhousing.Examplesaretheissueoftraffic/connectivity and environment. Forthespecificapproachestotheseandotherissues, reference is made to the actual City-Vision 2030.

source: Stadsvisie Rotterdam, 2030

Workplaces v. Workforce

Planning concerning the environment

source: Stadsvisie Rotterdam, 2030

source: Stadsvisie Rotterdam, 2030

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Vision Kop van Feijenoord: The plans which effect the neighbourhood of Feijenoord however go further then merely the large scale of the City-Vision 2030. AspecificdevelopmentplanconcerningFeijenoordhas also been drawn up, the Vision Kop van Feijenoord. As of yet, this vision is still being considered a concept. Nonetheless, preparations for its development are already underway in the form of evictions, demolishments and the like. Before one continues, it should be noted that it is not theintentofthisspecificsubquestiontodetermineifthe propositions made by the Vision Kop van Feijenoord are eithergoodorbadinlightofurbanidentity.Suchan answer can only be given with addition of research done in the following sub-questions. As such, this subquestion will evaluate the Vision Kop van Feijenoord based on its own criteria: 1) Framework of development, 2) Spatial and Programmatic criteria, 3) Plandescription, 4) Program. For specificsonthesecriteria,referenceisagainmadetothe actual vision. 1) Framework of development: Concerning proposals for development, the Vision Kop van Feijenoord sets up a framework that makes a distinction into various sub-visions, being: the City-vision (discussed earlier); the Neighbourhoodvision; Housing-vision; Recreational and Educational Vision; Vision Economical dev. Entrepot-area; and Vision on public space. In terms of Public space, for instance, a special Stylecommittee (2007) is setup to evaluate the neighbourhood and propose interventions. Such interventions concern various aspects of the neighbourhood: from greenstructures and waterfronts, to the connectivity of the area (as visualized in the images to the left).source: visie Kop van Feijenoord

source: visie Kop van Feijenoord

dS+V vision on Public Space

Intended North-South

Intended West-East

Analysis on Education

source: visie Kop van Feijenoord

source: visie Kop van Feijenoord

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2a) Spatial criteria:

source: visie Kop van Feijenoord

Concerningthespatialcriteria,specificgoalsthathavebeenlayedoutforFeijenoordare: - The addition of new housingblocks - Maximum utilization of icons on the Kop van Feijenoord - A contrast with the Kop van Zuid - Strenghtening of the internal qualities of Koningshaven - Offering space to new facilities To this end, various reference project are also cited; a study is done of different building typologies that can contribute in meeting the set goals; and the intended restructuring of the public space is stated:

Desired result

Studies

Restructuring of public space

source: visie Kop van Feijenoord

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2b) Programmatic criteria:

source: visie Kop van Feijenoord

Concerning the programmactic criteria, a distinction has been made in criteria for: Housing environments, Facilities and Job oppertunities. Theorganisationofthefirst,thehousingenvironments,canbeviewedintheabovepicture,inwhich: - Blue = Housing on the waterfront; - Green = Housing near facilities and large boulevards; -Red=Groundconnectedhousing(dutch: grondgebonden) According to the KvF vision, the facilities are to be clustered in various themes, as is also depicted in the lower left picture. The lower right pictures visualize the various methods by which such facilities can be included in the developmentplans.

source: visie Kop van Feijenoord

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3) Plandescription: InthePlandescriptionofthevisionKvZandadditionalstepismadetowardsspecificonsitedevelopmentsintheneightbourhood.Twomainclusterscanbedeterminedfromtheproposedinterventions.Thefirstisthearealocatednearthe Willemsbrug and the Hef. This area can also be designated as the actual Kop of Feijenoord. The second cluster is located more inward to the neighbourhood. At this point it should be noted that the focus of the graduation project is more towards this second area and the soutern part of cluster 1. Concerning the proposed interventions, a distinction is made in 3 catagories, being: Building mass, Public space and Connectivity.

Development cluster 1: Building mass

Connectivity Public spacesource: visie Kop van Feijenoord

Development cluster 2:

Building mass

Connectivity (car)

Public spacesource: visie Kop van Feijenoord

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4) Program: The program that is to be included in Kop van Feijenoord is one of a wide range: Housing,parking,commercialinfillofplints,recreationalfacilitiesandsports,education. Whenitcomestothespecificshowever,nofurtherexplanationisgiven.Thisisespeciallythecaseforcommercialinfill. This is not surpring, seen as the developmentplan is still in its vision-fase. Nonetheless it is striking that the concept does already include a overview in the amount of housing. This is most likely a result of the greater City-Vision, which also largely concerns the development of new housing for high-income, high-educated people. Thus, further study of both these visions and cross-referencing to the data collected in the following sub-question should point out if such developments form the most effective course of action, when it concerns the current population of Feijenoord.

source: visie Kop van Feijenoord

source: visie Kop van Feijenoord

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Research: Inherent Identity; People and Program

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Sub-Question 2: Which type of people exactly make up the population of the neighbourhood Feijenoord? (And why are they called disadvantaged?)

COS Report; Neighbourhood analysis for Feijenoord: In order to formulate a tailor made answer to sub-question 2, one can turn to various sources of information, among which: Rotterdam DATA (the statistics database of Rotterdam) and GisWeb 2.0 (a spatially oriented database of the city, including demographics, facilities, etc.). However, seen as both these sources provide an over-whelming amount of objective data, at this point in the thesis it wouldbemoreappropriatetodiscussthefindingsoftheCOS-report(Centrumvooronderzoekenstatistiek). This COS-report utilizes both of the above mentioned sources, in combination with the Sociale Index, the Buurtsignaleringandthe(Jeugd)Veiligheidsindex,toprovideasite-specificinsighttotheneighbourhood.Assuch,thispartofthe thesiswilldiscussthefindingsofCOS.InadditionreferenceisalsomadetoDenieuwebelangstelling(2011)areport developed within Veldacademie Rotterdam, which also provided a internship considering the graduation subject.Demographic Characteristics

source: COS, buurtanalyse Feijenoord, may 2009Potential Workforce

Type of Households

Afirststeptowardsunderstandingtheneighbourhoodcan be taken by looking at its demographic composition. In doingso,afirstcharacteristicthatcomestolightisthe relatively young population. As is stated by COS, this offers a geat potential for the citysfutureworkforce. Lookingatthetypeofhouseholds,onecanalsofindthat (logically) a large part of the households has children. However, nearly half of these child bearing households also has only one parent. This is twice as much as in the entire city and 1,5 times a much as in the the sub-municipality Feijenoord. In comparison to the rest of the city, Feijenoord houses a large number of immigrants. A very large part (83%) of these immigrants is also of a non-western origin. The largest part is made up of Turkish immigrants, in addition also a large number of Marroccan and Surinam people inhabit the neighbourhood.

Etnical composition

source: COS, buurtanalyse Feijenoord, may 2009

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Sociale Index / Social Index Moving on to the problems of the neighbourhood (left), one can view the Social Index to get a better vantage point. The problematic situation in the neighbourhood is immediatey visible through the large red sections, as apposed to relatively greener diagram of the city (right).

source: COS, buurtanalyse Feijenoord, may 2009

Critical indicators OfallthesethemesonwhichtheneighbourhoodshasalowscoretheCOSsinglesoutthethemesthatplaythelargest role.IndicatorsofsuchdecisivethemesarealsocalledCriticalIndicators.FortheneighbourhoodofFeijenoord these themes and indicators are:

Other problematic themes and indicators Next to the above stated plroblems however, there are also other themes on which the neighbourhood scores extremely low. As such, these themes also (should) become focal points for the future developments:

source: COS, buurtanalyse Feijenoord, may 2009

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Summed up FollowingCOSspreviousdiagrams,onecannowstatethatFeijenoordisasociallyweakneighbourhood.Onvirtuallyall themes it scores lower than the average of Rotterdam. The primary problem-themes are: the capacities of the inhabitants, de participation in the community, de living environment and the social connectivity to the neighbourhood. Thepeoplearelow-educatedorhaventfinishedtheireducation.Nearlyhalfoftheyoungstershasnostarters-qualification. This means that a large amount of the earlier discussed, potential workforce is actually missing the credentials to get highered for a job. In addition, the potential workworkforce in general also considers its own health to be relatively poor. AnotherproblemisalsonotedintheformoflimitedknowledgeoftheDutchlanguage.Thisagainhasanegativeinfluenceonthechancestofindajob.Thus,alargepartofthepopulationalsoconsistsofnon-workingjob-seekers.Morethan half of the inhabitants has a low income and the percentage of inhabitants on welfare is twice the average of the city. With respect to the housing environment it is especially the need for adequate housing that forms an issue. There is a relatively large amount of overpopuplation to be found (twice as much as the average of Rotterdam). Consequentially, the satisfaction of the inhabitants with their home is relatively low. In addition the neighbourhoods is also troubled by safety-issues. Veiligheidsindex / Safety Index IntermsofsafetyFeijenoordscoresa6.3.Thisislowerthanthecitys7.3,whichearnstheneighbourhoodtheposition ofspecialattention-neighbourhood(dutch:aandachtswijk).Thegraphbelowshowshowtheneighbourhoodscoreson various topics, in comparison to the scales of the sub-municipality and the city.

Asisvisible,theneighbourhoodssafetyissuesprimarilyconcerntheelements:burglary,vandalism, nuisances,andmattersoforderliness.Inthegraphbelow,furtherspecificsarestatedconcerningthese safety issues. In the Jeugdveiligheidsindex (excl.) it becomes clear that youngster play a large role in these issues of safety.

source: COS, buurtanalyse Feijenoord, may 2009

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Buurtsignalering/ Neighbourhoodprofile BuurtsignaleringorNeighbourhoodprofileisthelasttoolthatis utilizedbytheCOStoprovideasite-specificinsightintoFeijenoord. HerethePPC-map(left)givessummaryofahousingblocksstatus through an overview of their Potential Problem Cumulation. The more dark-yellow a block is colored, the higher its PPC-value.ItisimmediatelyvisiblethatalargeamountofFeijenoords blocks scores quite low. Slighty less than half of the blocks scores just higher than the city average (light-green). And only one small cluster scores far higher than the city average and is thus of significantly higher quality then the city-average (dark-green). One can also continue to split the PPC overview up into its smallerinputs.ItisthenthatthespecificissuesofFeijenoord become more visible. Afirststepinthismorespecifiedoverviewcanbethevacancymap (dutch: leegstand). As vacancies are visualized by red hatches, it becomes clear that their are virtually no vancant living spaces. Morespecifically,atthetimethismapwasmadetherewasmerely one housing block vancant due to evictions. In between the setup of the COS-report and the writing of this Progress Report, the block in question has also been torn down.

In addition to the issue of limited vacancies, it can be found that there is actually a problem of over-occupation of households in the neighbourhood. This was already indicated in previous sections. In this map however, we can now see the actually severity of this issue. For, virtually all households suffer from overoccupation. Thus, thisalsoformsanimportantissueintheneigbourhoodsliveability and has an great impact on the earlier discussed Social Index.

Asafinalsteponecanalsolookattheexactlocationoftheinhabitantswhichfacespecificchallenges.Inthemaptotheleft,the example of the jobless job-seekers is visualized.Hereonefindsthelargestconcerntrationofthisgroup along the the Oranjeboomstraat (western edge) and the Eastern edge of the neighbourhood. As such, any intervention concerning employment should also keep the spatial location and connectivity of this inhabitantgroup in mind.

source: COS, buurtanalyse Feijenoord, may 2009

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